Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

When your existing skills meet those requirements, RPL can reduce duplicated training and help fast-track your learning pathway.

Recognition of Prior Learning is an assessment process that considers the skills and knowledge you have gained through:

• Formal education
• Previous training
• Work experience
• Industry experience
• Life experience

RPL is available to enrolled Zokal students who want relevant previous learning or experience recognised. Your experience must relate directly to the requirements of the units included in your course.

Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer are different processes.

Recognition of Prior Learning

RPL assesses skills and knowledge gained through work, formal learning or life experience. You will need to provide evidence and may be asked to attend an interview or practical demonstration.

Credit Transfer

Credit Transfer applies when you have already completed an equivalent unit of competency through another registered training organisation and can provide an authenticated qualification or transcript. No additional assessment is required for units confirmed as matching.

• Already completed the unit through another RTO? See Credit Transfer

You can apply for RPL if you are enrolled with Zokal and believe your previous learning, work or life experience is relevant to the units in your course.

Applying early helps Zokal plan your training pathway and identify which units may still require training.

Your RPL evidence must demonstrate that your existing skills and knowledge meet the relevant unit requirements. Evidence may include:

• Performance demonstrations
• Portfolios
• Workplace observations
• Interviews
• Simulations
• Written submissions
• Third-party reports

Your RPL Kit will explain the evidence required for the units you want recognised. The evidence you provide will be assessed by a qualified assessor against the applicable unit requirements.

Step 1: Declare Your Interest

Indicate that you are interested in RPL on your Enrolment Agreement or contact Student Support. You should do this as soon as possible after induction and preferably within two weeks of your course starting. Early notification helps Zokal plan your learning pathway.

Step 2: Receive Your RPL Kit

Zokal will provide the RPL Kit Student Guide within three business days of your request. The RPL Kit explains:

• The RPL process
• The evidence you need to provide
• The steps you must complete
• How your evidence will be assessed

Read the kit carefully and contact your assessor or Student Support if you need assistance understanding the requirements.

Step 3: Gather and Submit Your Evidence

You must gather evidence showing how your previous experience meets the applicable unit requirements. Evidence may include:

• Practical performance demonstrations
• A portfolio of relevant work
• Workplace observations
• Interviews
• Simulated activities
• Written evidence
• Third-party reports

Evidence may be submitted by upload, USB or in printed form, as directed by Zokal. Make sure the evidence relates directly to the units for which you are seeking recognition.

Step 4: Attend Your RPL Interview or Assessment

After your evidence has been verified, your RPL assessor may schedule:

• An interview
• A practical demonstration
• Further assessment activities

The interview or practical assessment may be conducted through Microsoft Teams; or on site, as agreed with your assessor.

Your assessor will use this process to confirm your knowledge, experience and ability against the relevant unit requirements.

Step 5: Receive Your RPL Outcome

Zokal will provide your RPL outcome in writing within 10 business days of the interview. The outcome will explain whether recognition has been granted and what happens next.

When RPL is granted

Your Training Plan will be updated to record the recognised units.

When further evidence or training is required

Zokal will discuss a Gap Training Plan to address the competencies that have not yet been demonstrated.

As an enrolled Zokal student, you have the right to:

• Apply for Recognition of Prior Learning
• Receive clear guidance about the process
• Receive an RPL Kit to help you gather evidence
• Have your evidence assessed fairly
• Have your evidence assessed against the relevant unit requirements
• Have the assessment completed by a qualified assessor
• Receive the outcome in writing
• Receive support during the RPL process
• Appeal an RPL decision through Zokal's Complaints and Appeals process

All RPL applications are assessed individually based on the evidence submitted.

• Read the Student Handbook for More Information

An unsuccessful RPL application does not necessarily prevent you from continuing your course. When your evidence does not demonstrate all required competencies, Zokal will discuss a Gap Training Plan with you.

The Gap Training Plan identifies the skills or knowledge that still need to be developed or assessed. You may then complete the required training and assessment through your existing course pathway.

Speak with your assessor to make sure you understand:

• Which requirements were met
• Which requirements were not yet demonstrated
• Whether further evidence can be provided
• What gap training is required
• What your next steps will be

You can ask for assistance at any stage of the RPL process.

Contact Student Support or your assigned assessor if you need help:

• Deciding whether RPL may be suitable
• Requesting the RPL Kit
• Understanding the unit requirements
• Identifying suitable evidence
• Submitting your evidence
• Preparing for an interview or demonstration
• Understanding your written outcome
• Discussing a Gap Training Plan
• Accessing the appeal process

Full RPL details and forms are available through the Student Portal.

You can appeal an RPL decision if you believe the outcome was incorrect, unfair or inconsistent. Appeals are managed through Zokal's Complaints and Appeals process.

Your appeal should clearly identify:

• The RPL decision you disagree with
• Why you believe it should be reviewed
• The evidence supporting your position
• The outcome you are seeking

Can I apply for RPL after enrolling?

Yes. RPL is available to enrolled Zokal students. You may apply at any time, although Zokal recommends applying within two weeks of enrolment or course commencement.

Does work experience automatically qualify me for RPL?

No. Your experience must be supported by evidence and assessed against the requirements of the relevant unit of competency.

What experience can be recognised?

Formal education, work experience and life experience may be considered when they are relevant to the units included in your course.

What evidence can I submit?

Evidence may include portfolios, performance demonstrations, workplace observations, interviews, simulations, written submissions and third-party reports.

How do I start an RPL application?

Indicate your interest on your Enrolment Agreement, speak with the Training Manager or contact Student Support to request the RPL Kit.

How soon will I receive the RPL Kit?

Zokal will provide the RPL Kit within three business days of your request.

How long do I have to submit my evidence?

The handbook requires evidence to be submitted within 10 business days of receiving the RPL Kit.

Will I need to attend an interview?

You may be required to attend an interview or practical demonstration with your RPL assessor. This may take place through Microsoft Teams or on site.

When will I receive the outcome?

Zokal will provide the written RPL outcome within 10 business days of your interview.

What happens if only some of my experience is recognised?

Zokal will update your Training Plan for any recognition granted and discuss a Gap Training Plan for competencies that have not yet been demonstrated.

Can I appeal the decision?

Yes. You can appeal through Zokal's Complaints and Appeals process.

Where can I find the RPL forms?

RPL details and forms are available through the Student Portal. You can also request assistance from Student Support or your assigned assessor.

You may already have relevant experience that can count towards your course.

Start the conversation early so Zokal can assess your experience and plan the most appropriate learning pathway.

• Read the Student Handbook for More Information